Subscribe via email

Archive

ds

Send it in!

asas

PftB Presents.

ON LOOP.

I remember describing Farrad's music as "heart-thumping" and "slightly electrifying" when I featured him a while back. The lovely man was kind enough to spend a few minutes for a little Q&A.

Who are your main musical influences?

My main musical influences are all over the place, which has given me the ability to write a wide range of musical styles. I have a great love for classic/blues-infused rock like Led Zepplin & The Rolling Stones. I grew up listening to the greatest soul singers to walk the Earth like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, & Stevie Wonder, so I like all vocalist that sing with soul and feeling. And I love any modern artist that displays a serious work effort in their craft or just straight up creative genius, like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, or the soul and clever lyrics of Amy Winehouse.

What's the song you're most proud of writing?

I'm really proud of every song that came out of me on this latest project, but I'd have to give that honor to Keep Your Head Up, since the song is socially conscious and takes the listener on a journey through the urban struggle, yet speaks to all. And anyone in this business knows just how important it is to keep your head up and continue forward. There are nothing but obstacles before us all, and sometimes you just need to be reminded that it's part of the process.

What's your favorite iPod track this week?

My favorite iPod track this week is probably Ring-A-Ling by the Black Eyed Peas. Ever since the latest album dropped, I've been going through these phases where I just must throw that song on repeat. I love what I like to call "complex-simplicity," It's got this great sheen to it, and I love me a bass-thumpin' ghetto-booty-shakin' beat from time to time!

What's the last album you bought that you're enjoying?

Interestingly enough, that distinction would have to go to a fairly unknown, indie/alternative rock act called Starling Crush. The album is titled Tea Leaves, Murder and Dreaming. It's fucking amazing! I've known the front-woman, Jennifer Glass for some time just from the New York scene, and she's always blown me away as a songwriter and vocalist, but this album is just perfection. It's totally different from my latest project, but like I said, I'm musically all over the place. Wherever there's quality. You can be sure I plan on tapping her and Starling Crush for some type of collaboration on my next album.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you on stage?

After the Janet Jackson Super Bowl fiasco, we all know the term "wardrobe malfunction." Well sometime last year as I was testing songs out for the album at live shows, I did a one song set at a Sunday night party in Hell's Kitchen. I had this white tuxedo shirt tied creatively to go with these tailored tuxedo shorts and knee-high patent leather boots. In the middle of the song the shirt became untied, and I had no choice but to try and remove the shirt mid-song. It was a total nightmare, and I just remember the look on some people's faces. It wasn't the thought of a shirtless man that was the problem, but the fact that in my mind I was giving off this impression that I NEEDED to remove clothing to make a worthwhile act. I took my ass right home after that gig and tried to immediately forget it.

What is your guilty pleasure band?

Coldplay. It's amazing. Many people love them, and just as many hate that they exist. I personally enjoy listening to them often. I just make sure that I'm never depressed when I do!

What's your favorite artist and album?

My contemporary artist would have to be Beyoncé. I know that she's in no way some ground breaking artist in terms of introducing the world to some new form of music, but that's not everyone's requirement. I like her because she knows how to pick and write catchy hooks. I like that she's one of the if not THE hardest working woman in show business right now. That's the type of work ethic I have and I applaud anyone else doing the same thing. I'm a lover, not a hater. And I wore out her album B'Day. I loved how aggressive it was, which I thought was a risk for a sophomore release.

What gets you up in the morning?

Being 100% honest, the answer would be anxiety. I wake up earlier than I ever have in my life. No matter how late I party the night before. The minute I'm conscious and think about what's next on my checklist, that's it. I'm up and ready to conquer the world. (Though sometimes the anxiety turns to fear and I roll over and cover my head with a pillow. But you can't hide from success)

How would you describe your music to those who haven't heard it yet?

Urban Pop. Funky, fun, and fresh. It's meant to play while getting ready to go to the club, at the club, the after-party, and the morning after into brunch.

Give us a random fact about yourself!

I HATE Styrofoam with every fiber of my being. Not because of some environmental standpoint, but because the sound and texture makes me wanna scream!!!